Lots of positives for Robertson

Dave Robertson says last night’s game against Liverpool’s Under 21s is “a good platform to build on.”

Rovers were defeated 2-1 by the visitors, but Robertson feels there were plenty of positives to take.

“It was our first test of pre-season. It was a good opportunity for players to get minutes under their belt, a lot of them got 60 and some got 30.

“We got plenty out of it but most importantly there was lots of positives, with the opportunities we created, the chances to score but also we learnt a lot about what we have to do defensively. It was two disappointing mistakes which cost us two goals but we’ll get that for pre-season and we’ll work on that.

“We wouldn’t have learned anything on the football side of things against Charlestown. It was a conditioning exercise, where we got minutes into the players. Outside of that, when you’re against good quality opposition, with top quality players from the Premier League, that’s when we learn about exactly where our problems are and what exactly what we need to work on to be right for the opening game of the season.”

Rovers proved to be good opposition for Michael Beale’s side, and Robertson’s players received plaudits for their attacking prowess.

“They (the players) knew exactly what we wanted to do. We wanted to embed our style of play, we were focusing our game plan this evening on what we wanted to do, the players stuck by that even when we made all the changes in the second half. Sometimes in those games the organisation goes all over the place, but to be fair to those lads they stuck by the game plan and knew exactly what their jobs were.”

A crowd of over 2,800 turned up at The Showgrounds for the game, which also served as a farewell for club legend Alan Keane. Keano was brought on with five minutes left on the clock, to allow him to say goodbye to fans.

“It was fantastic to be fair to see the fans turn out. Also, on top of that it was a great reception that they gave Alan Keane for his final farewell. To the Sligo Rovers crowd he’s been an absolute legend. He’s been a legend to the club and I thought that was a fitting send off for him and a great game to bow out of Sligo Rovers with.

“Whenever you come in as a manager one of the first things you do is look at the history of the football club, and when you see a player like Alan Keane who’s been here for the last seven years and I explained it to the players that I’ve brought into the club – that’s what Sligo Rovers is about. He’s won the league here, he’s won the FAI Cup, the league cup, the Setanta Cup and he’s gone on and played for the club in the Champions League and the Europa League.

“He’s achieved a massive amount. Any player, or manager who comes to this club needs to look at that history. I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for Keano. I understand why he’s now retired and I wish him all the very best. It’s important that you give all those people who have earned the respect the opportunity to bow out in front of a great crowd.”

Rovers will take on the Irish Defence Forces at The Showgrounds this Saturday at 4pm.

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